AROUND THE LEAGUE.

Sheets gets Brewers' biggest deal: $38.5 million

All-Star pitcher Ben Sheets signed a $38.5 million, four-year contract with the Brewers on Friday, the richest deal in team history.

Sheets had signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the team in February to avoid salary arbitration but left open the option of a longer pact.

Sheets had back surgery in the off-season and general manager Doug Melvin said he wanted to see for himself how the right-hander performed in spring training before opening talks on a bigger deal.

Sheets was 12-14 with a 2.70 ERA last season, and his 264 strikeouts were the most among NL right-handers.

"I'm glad to be here. Can you believe these crazy people?" Sheets said. "They want me here for another couple of years. Wow!"

Until Friday the biggest Brewers deal was a $23 million, three-year contract extension Geoff Jenkins signed last year.

Dodgers honor Robinson

No matter how many players pass through the Dodgers' clubhouse, Jackie Robinson will remain the heartbeat of an enduring and endearing franchise that was the first to integrate the major leagues.

That point was driven home at Dodger Stadium on Friday night when Rachel Robinson, Jackie's widow, was on hand with daughter Sharon to mark the 58th anniversary of her husband's first major-league game and the breaking of the color line.

Braves drop Martin

The Braves released left-handed reliever Tom Martin , who compiled a 19.29 ERA in four appearances this season, and called up John Foster from Triple-A Richmond to replace him in the bullpen.